Rachel is our new bookseller, but she's very familiar with our store as she has been coming here for a long time.
Amra, a Bosnian Muslim, was preparing to celebrate her sixteenth birthday in 1992 when war descended upon her hometown of Bihać. Amidst the chaos, a stray calico cat appeared and entrenched itself in Amra’s life. The teen’s relationship with this cat, and the fierce love she has for her family, help readers grapple with her horrific descriptions of genocide and ethnic cleansing. An enlightening, heart-wrenching, and triumphant story of survival that will inspire teens and adults alike.
From the author of Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norell comes a truly unusual, otherworldly mystery. Readers are tossed into an unfamiliar and unsettling world with a strange fellow named Piranesi as their only guide. Piranesi’s journal entries provide tantalizing clues about the labyrinthine house that he shares with a collection of ornamental statues, a ragtag assortment of skeletons, and a human called “the Other”. This is a revelatory book that will leave readers pondering its layered complexity long after they have turned the final page.
Do you know somebody who loves thrills and chills all year round? Are you that somebody? Then this book should definitely be on your holiday wish list. Eva García Sáenz has hit it out of the park with the first volume of her new murder mystery trilogy set in the beautiful Basque region of Spain. It contains an intriguing blend of local lore, archaeology, and criminal psychology. I cannot wait for the second installment, which is currently being translated and expected to hit shelves in February!
A truly enchanting masterpiece of historical fiction. Although the novel revolves around the premature death of Shakespeare’s son, the true star of Hamnet is actually Anne ‘Agnes’ Hathaway. With her gorgeous prose, O’Farrell plucks Shakespeare’s wife from obscurity and gives her a formidable personality. The author deftly weaves together elements of magical realism and scholarly speculation to create a story that will leave you utterly breathless. One of my favorite books of 2020!
I read this novel eons ago for a mother-daughter book club and it still remains one of my favorites. I love precocious Flavia, who flies around on a bicycle named Gladys and has no compunction about obstructing a police investigation (or ten). I rarely explore beyond the first book in a series but I have made it my mission to collect every single colorful Flavia de Luce book.
A high fantasy novel brimming with gorgeous imagery, pernicious political intrigue, and swashbuckling adventure. Fantasy novels are often placed in pseudo-European settings but Roanhorse has shirked this world-building trend, basing her fantasy realm on the pre-Columbian societies of America.
The magic of this novel unfurls slowly in a way that is both haunting and decadent. I loved the stubborn, strong heroine and the lost, confused hero. Both are searching for the meaning of love and happiness. Although Addie’s romance with Henry is sweet, I found her entanglements with the devil even more tantalizing.
Reminiscent of the wonders of childhood: exploring the great outdoors and feeding imaginary fairytale folk. A completely magical read with the sweetest illustrations. This is a story that alights the imagination and highlights the delightfulness of new friendship.
Dark and creepy like a traditional fairytale. Dead Paptoothwort is an ancient creature who is not exactly evil...or good. He enjoys lingering on the fringes of the forest, consuming the prattle of the townsfolk. Their chatter curls on the page, forsaking the traditional linear lines of text. A very unique little book!
A gothic detective story with a supernatural twist! I loved the banter between Inspector Cutter and his accidental assistant, Gideon. Dark and atmospheric, O'Donnell will have you shivering as if you were the one pounding the pavement in search of criminal miscreants in snowy Victorian London.
A gorgeous reimagining of a childhood classic that emphasizes the power of friendship.
Michael Twitty is a renaissance man! I was riveted by this book, which chronicles his efforts to uncover his ancestors' stories while simultaneously exploring the roots of Southern cooking.
A vibrant collection of stories set at an intertribal powwow. Each chapter is bursting with conviviality and heartfelt family moments.
I was enthralled by this slow-burning gothic thriller. Freya is drawn to Byrne Hall, a decrepit but majestic historical estate on the English coast. She believes the strange but compelling occupants of this house hold the answers to her past and her future.
Come dwell for a spell in Novik's lush fantasy realm! This retelling of Rumpelstiltskin has innovative and dauntless heroines, who refuse to flinch in the face of adversity.
Smart & clever. I really enjoyed this fresh literary thriller. The characters are deliciously diabolical!
A super quirky mystery featuring a ragtag team of amateur detectives who believe their beloved friend was murdered. I especially loved the roadtrip they take to Scotland and the character of DS Kaur (who is the exasperated detective assisting them).
History has preserved the name of an enigmatic queen called Sigrid the Haughty. Cherezińska brings her story to life through a feminist lens, deftly rebranding Sigrid “the bold one.” I was swept away by this work of historical fiction, which emphasizes female agency and cunning. The story reads like an epic fantasy and will greatly appeal to fans of Vikings and Game of Thrones.
A steampunk murder mystery set in Egypt? Yes, please! This novel has all the trappings of a grand adventure story. There’s action. There’s romance. And drama galore! But there’s also a surprising level of depth thanks to Clark’s social commentary. You’ll have a blast exploring the back alleys of an alternate Cairo with Agent Fatma. Just beware of fiery ifrits and clockwork angels.
A dark feminist sequel to Peter Pan! This novel began as a piece of flash fiction but Wise decided to expand upon her musings, resulting in this tasty morsel of a book. Although I wish she had fleshed out some of her ideas a bit further, I loved the creativity.
Written in Bone provides a gasp-worthy glimpse into the expansive career of a world-renowned forensic anthropologist. Pairing scientific anatomical descriptions with fascinating case studies, Dr. Black shows us the wonders of osteology in a manner that is respectful, humorous and awe-inspiring.
I love, love, LOVE this book! A great second chance romance with a little bit of steam. It is funny, emotional and triumphant. Perfect for your summer reading list.
Set in the Scottish Highlands! Featuring: a shocking murder, an unexpected romance, and some dark family secrets. A fascinating rumination on the beauty of our natural world and the predatory nature of humans.